OLYMPUS SPONSORSHIP - Q?RIUS

Teaming Up with the Smithsonian to Create an Experiential Learning Center

In 2013, Olympus partnered with the Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum and research complex, to create Q?rius (“Curious”), a comprehensive 10,000-square-foot experiential learning center based at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. Through hands-on displays using a wide array of Olympus microscopes and other equipment, visitors can unleash their curiosity and explore specimens from around the world. A key part of the process is that students, with help from Smithsonian scientists, will use professional-level microscopes and other instruments to probe and study specimens that get them engaged in and excited about the scientific process.

Olympus contributed more than 50 professional scientific microscope imaging systems, along with a variety of cameras, monitors, PCs, stands, software and more. As part of our donation, Olympus provided a DSX100 opto-digital imaging system. This cutting-edge microscope system can capture detailed 3D images of specimens for archiving and online access, enabling people to participate in aspects of the Q?rius experience from anywhere in the world.